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Irrigation in the Irrigation Pasture Reference Area was regulated to simulate the same plant <br /> application rate and conditions of irrigation in the Irrigation Pasture reclamation area. <br /> Topsoil replacement thickness was verified earlier by ERMR in this Irrigated Pasture as 21". <br /> One 1.9 acre parcel is the reclaimed Pond 9 that has been regraded and approved as a permanent <br /> stock pond, SP-2. SP-2 collects runoff from irrigated pastures upslope from the stock pond that have <br /> previously been approved for phase II bond release. SP-2 has functioned well as a stock pond in <br /> 2022, and is not exhibiting significant rilling or gullying. Perennial vegetation is becoming <br /> established on the inslopes of the stock pond. In accordance with Rule 3.03.1(5)reclaimed <br /> temporary drainage control facilities, i.e. sediment ponds, are not subject to the extended liability <br /> period of 3.02.3(2). SP-2 is stable and blends in well with the surrounding slopes. <br /> Two parcels requested for Phase II bond release, DP-16 and DP-17, are located in Section 6, <br /> immediately north of Pond 18. These two parcels total 4.9 acres of dryland pasture. The mine area <br /> has been extremely dry this season, and can be observed by the dry conditions on these two parcels. <br /> In spite of the drought, the vegetation was stable, and not weedy. The perennial grasses appeared <br /> stunted but still alive and seeding out early. For a Dryland Pasture, and drought conditions, these two <br /> parcels seem to be doing well. <br /> Topsoil verification thickness was measured by the operator using hand dug holes earlier in the <br /> summer. ERMR had left the holes and stakes open for the inspection. Topsoil replacement <br /> thicknesses were 22" in the DP-16 parcel, and 22" in the DP-17 parcel. <br /> The remaining three parcels; DP-10, DP-11, and DP-13, requested for Phase II bond release are <br /> located together in Section 36, north of the Irrigated Pasture IP-11. The operator had dug holes <br /> earlier in the summer and left the stakes and holes open. ERMR verified topsoil replacement <br /> thicknesses for parcel DP-10 as 13", parcel DP12 was 13", and parcel DP-13 measured 13". The <br /> Division concurs with the reported topsoil replacement measurements. <br /> Revegetation results: <br /> Irrigated Pasture Reference Area <br /> Ground cover in the Irrigated Pasture Reference Area consisted of 84.33%live vegetation, 0.00% <br /> rock, 13.87%litter, and bare ground exposure of 1.80%. Perennial cover across the unit averaged <br /> 82.73%, no noxious weed cover was encountered. <br /> Irrigated Pasture Phase 11 Bond Release areas exceed the reference area comparison with 81.13% <br /> perennial cover versus the 74.46%perennial cover standard (90% of 82.73%). <br /> The following revegetation units at New Horizon are included in this Phase II bond release <br /> application: <br /> Parcel year seeded <br /> DP-10 2011 <br /> DP-12 2012 <br /> C1981008 SL25 Page 9 of 14 <br />